First, why did you say you were aware the SWU would expire as of 12/31? They have a date printed on them & are good for 1 year from that date. The new DL program allows SWU's to still be used up to 2/28/02.
Depending on your Medallion status, you can call at the 72 hr mark (Gold) or 24 hr (Silver) to request the SWU be changed to 800 mile segments. If they say yes, buy them at the airport if you don't have any in your account. If no, see below.
The other choice is to upgrade with miles. You can call now & do that (if you've got the miles to burn). It will take 10K each way.
Final choice is....sit in back.
Leave the US paper U/G home...it won't impress them & will make you look like a 'rube'.
Let us know what happens.
[This message has been edited by shadow (edited 12-22-2000).]